Abstract: A molding material for producing the carbon clusters using biomass as the main raw material, comprising the biomass and a binder as the derived raw material, wherein the molding material is graphitized, the electrical resistivity of the molding material is equal to or less than 100 ??m, the diffraction pattern of the molding material by powder X-ray diffraction method has one peak between 2?(? is the Bragg angle) of 26 to 27°, and the value of ? width divided by the base of the peak is equal to or less than 0.68. The method for producing the molding material for producing the carbon clusters according to any of claims 1 to 6, comprising following steps of: obtaining a molded precursor containing a calcined biomass and a binder; optionally, further baking the precursor; and graphitizing the precursor at a temperature of 2500° C. or higher.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for oxidizing carbon monoxide present in an oxygen-containing gas phase to carbon dioxide which comprises: adsorbing the carbon monoxide onto porous silica; and irradiating the porous silica with ultraviolet ray. In the invention, mesoporous silica or amorphous silica is used as the porous silica. In particular, silica gel that is amorphous silica is preferably used.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for oxidizing carbon monoxide present in an oxygen-containing gas phase to carbon dioxide which comprises: adsorbing the carbon monoxide onto porous silica; and irradiating the porous silica with ultraviolet ray. In the invention, mesoporous silica or amorphous silica is used as the porous silica. In particular, silica gel that is amorphous silica is preferably used.

Abstract: There are provided a technique for improving a fuel cell output, and a technique for preventing reduction in an output during operation of a fuel cell. An air electrode consists of catalyst particles, carbon particles supporting the catalyst particles, an ion-exchange resin, a catalyst layer comprising a proton-conducting substance and a conductive porous substrate supporting the catalyst layer.

Abstract: A substituted lithium cobalt composite oxide for use as a cathode active material in a lithium ion secondary battery, which has the general formula: LixMyCo1−yO2 in which M represents at least one metallic element selected from the group consisting of Ti, Mo and; x is a numeral in the range of 0.8 to 1.2; and y is a numeral in the range of 0.001 to 0.10.

Abstract: A process for producing a lithium manganese oxide with a spinel structure for use as a cathode material of an organic electrolyte lithium ion secondary battery, which comprises: mixing at least one lithium compound selected from the group consisting of lithium hydroxide and lithium carbonate with manganese dioxide in a solvent consisting essentially of water or an aliphatic lower alcohol having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms or a mixture thereof, optionally in the presence of at least one organic acid selected from the group consisting of formic acid and acetic acid; allowing the resultant mixture to form a gel-like mixture; and drying the gel-like mixture as required; and calcining the resulting product.

Abstract: A process for producing a lithium manganese oxide which has a formula of Li.sub.x MnO.sub.2 in which x is between 0.1 and 1 and which is suitable for use as a 3 volt cathode material, which comprises mixing at least one lithium compound with at least one manganese compound at a Li/Mn atomic ratio of 0.1-1 in a solvent selected from an aliphatic lower alcohol having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, water and a mixture of the alcohol and water, allowing the resultant mixture to form a gel-like mixture, drying the gel-like mixture as required, and calcining the resulting product in an oxidative atmosphere at a temperature of 200-350.degree. C.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of producing a transparent zinc oxide film having an even thickness especially useful as a ultraviolet rays cut off. The method comprises applying a solution of an organic zinc compound selected from the group consisting of a zinc salt of a fatty acid of 3-7 carbons and a chelate compound of a diketone of 5-8 carbons in an organic solution on a substrate, and then baking the resultant coating at temperatures of 300.degree.-600.degree. C. It is preferred that the solution of an organic zinc compound further contains at least one organometallic compound of a metal selected from the group consisting of aluminum, indium, tin and titanium.

Abstract: A method for producing electrically conductive zinc oxide comprising calcining zinc oxide under an ambient atmosphere in a vessel at a temperature from about 800.degree. to about 1100.degree. C. in a mixture thereof with aluminum oxide or a precursor thereof convertible into the oxide under the conditions of treatment in an amount of about 0.05 to about 5 moles based on aluminum atom therein in relation to 100 moles of zinc oxide in the presence of solid carbon. A further improvement in the method comprises mixing zinc oxide with aluminum oxide powder of not more than about 20 millimicrons in average particle size in the dry form to provide a feed mixture, and calcining the mixture, to provide a highly conductive form of zinc oxide.